Woman, 45, charged, in custody, after ‘strange’ foiled home invasion in Osoyoos

Police describe a foiled home invasion in the South Okanagan, which was captured on video, as “absolutely strange.”

Sharon Constance Forner, 45, has been charged with assault with a weapon, break and enter to commit an indictable offence, and possession of a weapon, after police say she tried to force her way into a home on 78th Avenue in Osoyoos on Wednesday morning. She is in custody and was to appear in Penticton court Friday afternoon.

Video surveillance shows Forner standing in the entrance way of a home, wearing gloves. A discussion eventually ensues with the resident and Forner is seen trying to enter the home before the resident pushes her away.

In an interview with Global News, the homeowner said Forner wanted to see her newborn baby. After pushing Forner away, the homeowner contacted police, with Forner being arrested the next day.

“It would be strange in any town,” RCMP sergeant Jason Bayda and Osoyoos detachment commander told Global News on Friday. “It’s not something that we’re used to seeing here, but that’s why we were so diligent in trying to get her in custody as soon as possible.”

Bayda said Forner was “caught at her residence in Osoyoos without incident,” adding “she’s known to us, that’s how we identified her, but not for an incident like this.”

This case came to national attention because of the video footage, which some have called “creepy.” Bayda called it important, since it helped identify Forner as the suspect in the case. In turn, police attended Forner’s residence several times throughout Wednesday and Thursday before arresting her.

“With technology changing, having security systems on your house is very key to getting charges or convictions in matters like this, or thefts or break and enters, what-have-you,” Bayda said. “A lot of times when we’re going by descriptors. When things happen so fast, it’s hard for someone to give an accurate description.

“Video is one thing that’s irrefutable when you take it to court. When you see the person there and you see him standing in front of a judge, it’s pretty hard for them to say it’s not them.”